April 3, 2012

Virginia's offshore winds are attracting global interest.

Eight companies have expressed interest in developing wind farms off the Virginia coast, including two from Spain.

Dominion Resources and Apex Virginia Offshore Wind of Charlottesville are two state-based developers that previously signaled their interest in planting turbines in waters off the coast.

The Virginian-Pilot reported Monday the others filing the necessary paperwork last week include two New Jersey companies, one based in Nevada, one from California and the Spanish interests.

Each will be reviewed by federal regulators to see if they are capable of paying for offshore wind development. If more than one survives the review, an auction would be held for the offshore blocks.